Design Your Own Sunglasses

Supplies

• Pipe cleaners (lots of colours)

• Craft glue or hot glue gun (staff use only)

• Craft supplies such as:

  • Pom poms

  • Beads

  • Feathers

  • Sequins

  • Stickers

  • Foam shapes

  • Googly eyes

• Scissors

• Optional: cardboard strips to strengthen the frames

Steps

Create the Frames

1. Give each child 2–3 pipe cleaners to start.

2. Show them how to bend and twist the pipe cleaners into oval or square shapes for the lens frame.

3. If needed, twist an extra pipe cleaner around the frame to make it sturdier.

Staff tip: Pre-bend a few frames for younger kids.

Make the Arms (Side Pieces)

1. Take two pipe cleaners and attach one to each side of the frame by twisting them securely.

2. Bend the ends slightly so they sit behind the ears like real sunglasses.

Kids can adjust the length easily by trimming or folding.

Strengthen if Needed

If frames feel floppy:

• Add a cardboard strip behind the frame and glue it

• Wrap extra pipe cleaners around the frame for support

This works especially well for younger groups.

Decorate the Sunglasses

Here’s the fun part!Kids can use glue to attach:

• Small pom poms along the top

• Feathers sticking out the sides

• Sequins and jewels to make “bling glasses”

• Googly eyes for silly designs

• Foam stickers for patterns

Encourage themes:

• Rainbow glasses

• Summer sunshine glasses

• Superhero glasses

• Animal ears glasses

Let creativity go wild!

Let Them Dry

Place finished sunglasses on a drying tray or table.Craft glue usually dries within 20–30 minutes.

If using hot glue (staff only), they can be worn almost instantly.

Wear & Show Off

Once dry, kids can:

• Wear their sunglasses outside

• Put on a “Summer Style Parade”

• Take silly photos

• Swap designs with friends